Plastic Overshoot Day 2024: Global Waste Crisis Surpasses Management Capacity
05 September 2024
Share this article
As reported by Packaging Insights, today September 5th marks the Plastic Overshoot Day, when global plastic waste surpasses the world’s waste management capacity.
In 2024, 220 million tons of plastic waste will be generated, averaging 28 kg per person worldwide. One-third of this waste, or 69.5 million tons, will be mismanaged and end up in the natural environment.
Currently, 66% of the global population lives in areas where plastic waste exceeds local management capacity.
Earth Action, a Swiss environmental consultancy and research organisation who is leading this day, highlights that recycling alone cannot solve the plastics crisis due to increasing production. The organisation calls for corporate responsibility, collaboration, and effective regulation through a UN Treaty.
12 countries, including China, Russia, India, Brazil, and Mexico, are responsible for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste. This year’s report includes plastic waste from textiles and household items, not just packaging.
Experts stress the need for innovative, non-polluting alternatives to address the crisis, emphasising the urgency for change.
Follow SAFE on social media
Spain passes law promoting healthier meals and dietary habits in schools
On Tuesday, Spain’s government adopted a decree requiring school canteens to offer healthier meals and…
Mexico bans junk food in schools
The 2020–2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey reveals that 36.5% of schoolchildren in Mexico, approximately…
French researchers find hard evidence of cocktail effects of food additives
For the first time, a broad-based study has found evidence of cocktail effects of certain…
UK advises against drinks with sweeteners for younger children
The BBC reported that the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) from the UK is…
Nutrition, key factor in life expectancy drop
The rise in human life expectancy has slowed down across Europe since 2011, according to…
HFSS foods and UPFs highly overlap, British study finds
Over half of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumed in the UK are also foods high in…